The werewolf didn't need to play any further; the opponent had self-destructed.
When the three spokespersons stepped forward, Wang Jiwang already had a clear understanding.
If there was anyone among the renowned sects who most wished to deal with the folk sects, the three before him would definitely be on the list.
Hong Sifang, the sect leader of the Laoshan Formation Sect, was the first to step out. Without bowing to Wang Jiwang, he stated without politeness:
"Folk sects have already degenerated into rats that everyone wants to beat. Yan Shouyi has committed the unforgivable act of slaughtering the Emei Sect. Today, we are here to eliminate demons and protect the righteous path. We advise you not to be ignorant of what's good for you!"
Master Heng Hua from Guangde Temple and Elder Tang Zhongxue of the Red Robe Cult stood behind Hong Sifang, showing their firm support.
Wang Jiwang let out a laugh of exasperation, "Then tell us, what does it mean to be ignorant of what's good for you?"
Master Heng Hua clasped his hands together, "Naturally, it means to surrender meekly."
"You want us, a group of innocent people, to surrender meekly, then be captured by you and slaughtered at your whim?" Wang Jiwang couldn't help but curse, "You bald donkey, are you dreaming?"
Master Heng Hua's expression darkened. Tang Zhongxue, standing beside him, quickly stopped him and then shouted at Wang Jiwang:
"If you want us to let you go, then hand over Yan Shouyi!"
Wang Jiwang revealed a mischievous look, "Didn't you claim our president slaughtered the Emei Sect? Then you should know he hasn't returned from Mount Emei yet. Where am I supposed to find him for you? If you truly have the guts, you should head directly to Mount Emei and see the truth for yourself!"
Zhao Yiyao, standing nearby, sneered, "Moreover, if our president were truly here today, and we dared to hand him over, would you dare to accept him?"
Yan Shouyi was someone who had publicly killed an Asura reincarnation. His strength was witnessed by all. The three individuals before them might not be able to stop Yan Shouyi.
However, there were now over four hundred people surrounding the Folklore Research Association. These people, united, also represented a considerable force.
With the support of those behind him, Hong Sifang gained confidence. He coldly said:
"The slaughter of Emei was half a month ago. How could he possibly still be on Mount Emei now? Furthermore, we have already sent people to investigate. The Emei Sect is shrouded by a mysterious formation, and no one can enter to investigate. That must also be Yan Shouyi's doing, right?"
Wang Jiwang indeed had no evidence to refute, and since the words were out of their mouths, Wang Jiwang could not control what they said.
The two sides remained in a stalemate for a while. Master Heng Hua suddenly said:
"Since you cannot hand over Yan Shouyi, then hand over a hostage related to Yan Shouyi! This humble monk has heard that Yan Shouyi's wife is pregnant. May I ask where she is?"
As soon as the words fell, two figures suddenly emerged from the rear of the crowd.
They held soul-summoning bells, controlled malevolent spirits, and charged towards Master Heng Hua!
Master Heng Hua reacted, his face turning grim. He clasped his hands together and suddenly let out a roar.
The Buddhist Lion's Roar!
A golden sound wave shot out, scattering the evil spirits. The two attackers stopped their actions, but their mouths did not stop. They pointed at Master Heng Hua and cursed:
"You call yourself a monk who eats vegetarian meals and chants scriptures, yet you want to use a woman and child as a threat! If Buddha knew you were so despicable and shameless, he would probably come from the Western Paradise and crush you with his backside!"
The two who rushed out were Elder Huang Hai and Zhou Yuquan of the Lushang Sect.
"This humble monk is here to subdue demons and eliminate evil. One must use any means necessary when dealing with wicked people!" Master Heng Hua argued perversely.
"Bah!" The two spat a mouthful of phlegm towards Master Heng Hua. Master Heng Hua was also enraged. He retreated while striking out with his palm.
A golden palm print flew towards the two, but they did not dodge or evade.
Just as the two were about to be struck by the golden palm print, a crimson dress suddenly descended from the sky. As the woman landed, she opened the red oil-paper umbrella she held, effortlessly blocking the golden palm print.
After closing the umbrella, the woman's true face was revealed to be an incredibly beautiful and charming middle-aged woman.
Ghost King Peach Blossom Ying!
"You want to take my master hostage? You bald donkey, be careful I don't drain your essence!"
Peach Blossom Ying rested the oil-paper umbrella on her shoulder, a smile on her face, but uttering the most vicious threats.
From the rear of the crowd, disciples of the Lushang Sect arrived, forcing a path through the dense crowd. Several elders of the Lushang Sect escorted Lin Zitong, dressed in purple, forward.
Lin Zitong's belly was already showing, but her beauty had not diminished one bit. Her brows were tinged with a gentleness of a first-time mother.
Seeing Lin Zitong appear, the crowd began to murmur.
Some were seeing Lin Zitong for the first time and were captivated by her beauty. Others were concerned about Lin Zitong's identity. She had become the sect leader of the Lushang Sect at such a young age and was a central figure in the current conflict between the renowned sects and the folk sects.
Would her appearance bring any change to the current situation?
Lin Zitong, protected by the elders of the Lushang Sect, walked through the crowd and stood at the entrance of the Folklore Research Association, standing alongside Wang Jiwang and others.
Hong Sifang saw her and sneered:
"It seems that Sect Leader Lin intends to firmly side with the folk sects and completely break ties with us renowned righteous sects?"
Lin Zitong replied indifferently:
"Don't be in such a hurry to label me. You are merely the sect leader of the Laoshan Formation Sect, and you do not represent the renowned sects! Heavenly Master Yu Lumen has not yet spoken, so why are you in such a rush?"
Despite her young age, her presence was not at all weak. This was everyone's initial impression of Lin Zitong.
This girl was not easy to deal with.
Peach Blossom Ying floated to Lin Zitong's side, returned the red divine umbrella with both hands, then turned her head with a fierce expression, glaring menacingly at Master Heng Hua.
"Miss, this bald donkey just now wanted to take you and your child as hostages."
As soon as these words were spoken, the gazes of the Lushang Sect members instantly focused on Master Heng Hua, their hostility and killing intent undisguised.
Even Master Heng Hua felt immense pressure, and a drop of cold sweat trickled down his bare head.
Huang Hai snorted and said:
"This is unrelated to the conflict between our sects. I'll put it out there now: anyone who dares to harm our Sect Leader and her child, we will fight them to the death! Regardless of their status, as long as we are alive, we will not let them leave Rongcheng standing!"
The Lushang Sect had experienced many trials and tribulations. Now, its members were united and loyally supported Lin Zitong.
Master Heng Hua gritted his teeth and finally chose to take a step back and shut his mouth.
He had backed down.
Wang Jiwang breathed a sigh of relief. If Lin Zitong hadn't been there to stabilize the situation, the initial confrontation might have escalated into direct combat.
However, Hong Sifang and the others clearly wouldn't give up easily. As Master Heng Hua retreated, Tang Zhongxue suddenly attacked:
"I heard that your Folklore Research Association has recruited a pair of tomb-raiders, descendants of the Ma family. This brother and sister have plundered countless tombs and committed grave sins. Are you, the Folklore Research Association, going to protect them as well?"